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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare category five hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.